Gaiananda (Guy a non da) comes from two words; Gai means earth and ananda means bliss, translating to earth's bliss.

Gaiananda was formed in August of 2001. The idea to form an ethnic drum and dance ensemble was the vision of Jessica Kinzbach and Suzanne Gerard. Both felt a deep desire to bring together drumming and dancing styles of many cultures to share the richness of ethnic diversity with Gaiananda's performers and audience alike. The troupe members feature a wide range of different levels of performance experience, coming from a multitude of cultural, religious and spiritual practices and ranging in ages 21 to 60.

Gaiananda is dedicated to expanding the understanding of global cultures and to the acceptance and celebration of all ethnic customs, unique in their rythms, movements, dress, ceremonies and rites of passage. Although we honor diversity, we combine styles of drum and dance and strive to express through our art that we are all descendants of one ancestor and move to her "one heart beat" ... Mother Earth

We hope we will inspire you to join us in opening our eyes and our hearts to all the people of the world.

http://Gaiananda.tribe.net